Deadspin | Steven Matz, Rays out to slow road-rampaging Reds 
Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip.
Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory.
Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations.
As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings.
While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer.
Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one.
“We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.”
The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time.
Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.
The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number.
“We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.”
Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game.
Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay.
Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him.
The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him.
The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month.
“Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.”
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Steven #Matz #Rays #slow #roadrampaging #Reds
Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip.
Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory.
Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations.
As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings.
While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer.
Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one.
“We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.”
The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time.
Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.
The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number.
“We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.”
Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game.
Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay.
Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him.
The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him.
The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month.
“Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.”
–Field Level Media
![MLB trade deadline: Latest rumors on Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene, and more If you believe Jeff Passan, today is the day we will start seeing trades ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, which arrives Monday.So let’s spin around the rumors again.The latest on Tarik SkubalWednesday afternoon, Tarik Skubal exited the Detroit Tigers’ game against the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the seventh, having given up a two-run single. He left to a standing ovation from the Detroit faithful, who were wondering like the rest of us whether it was his last outing for the Tigers. He exited having handed the Detroit bullpen a 7-1 lead with two outs and a pair of runners aboard.What happened after that is, according to one MLB executive, the final “sign” that the Tigers need to move their ace at the deadline.Baltimore scored four more runs in the inning, and went on to win 10-9 in extras. Despite recording his 1,000th strikeout in the performance, Skubal received a no-decision for his efforts.“If there was ever a sign that the Tigers should trade Skubal, that was it. The offers should start flowing in any minute,” said one NL executive to MLB insider Mark Feinsand.Feinsand was not the only one reporting that a deal would be happening. ESPN’s Jeff Passan declared Skubal “will be traded” in his MLB Trade Deadline preview as well.So what teams could be making a move for the ace? As we outlined yesterday the Milwaukee Brewers are among the suitors, and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported that the Chicago Cubs are expected to make a run at the left-hander. But according to Passan, when it comes to potential suitors they are “all almost resigned to the idea that the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to get Tarik Skubal.”A potential reason for that? The lingering health issues for Shohei Ohtani. With the superstar dealing with left knee and right bicep issues, it has put his time on the bump on hold. His last start came on July 3, and manager Dave Roberts indicated earlier this week that his throwing program is on hold. “Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%,” Roberts said.With Ohtani on the shelf — as a pitcher — that could mean a big push for Skubal from the Dodgers.If you’re looking for a sleeper team in the Skubal sweepstakes, keep an eye on Tampa Bay. The Rays saw left-hander Shane McClanahan leave his start on Thursday with “back tightness,” and while it is not considered a “long-term” issue, there is an opening for Tampa Bay. As one MLB source told MLB.com, “[t]he Brewers, Rays and Dodgers have the most high-end prospects to move. It would be somewhat surprising if he didn’t wind up with one of those three teams.”Hunter Greene on the marketWhile Skubal will command the headlines, another top arm could be on the move.According to MLB.com, there is a “50-50” chance that the Cincinnati Reds move flame-thrower Hunter Greene ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Greene missed the first half of the season following surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow, as he put off the surgery last season and threw through the discomfort, option for an injection rather than surgery.He ultimately went under the knife in the spring, costing him the start to 2026. Since returning he has gone 2-2 with a 7.06 ERA in four starts this season.But this is a former All-Star, who is under club control for the next few seasons. He signed a six-year extension with Cincinnati in 2023, and is controlled through 2028. Greene is owed $15 million in 2027, $16 million in 2028, and has a $21 million club option for 2029, and his contract comes with a $2 million buyout.His health is probably the biggest concern, as he has missed time beyond the recent surgery. Tommy John surgery in 2018 cost him the entire 2019 Minor League campaign, and he has lost time due to shoulder and lower-body issues.“Health,” said one MLB executive to MLB.com about the concern. “He falls into the high quality and moderate-to-low quantity category.”Still, during his 2024 All-Star campaign, he went 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA, earning Cy Young votes. Teams that miss on Skubal could be enticed to bet on that talent — at that low cost — for the next few years.Our friends at Battery Power are taking about Greene as well:Trade Deadline Discussion ThreadWe had a lot of good conversation yesterday. Perhaps we put all of our trade deadline chatter and thoughts here and get this post pinned through the deadline Monday. Today I want to talk about someone that I don’t think we have discussed which is Hunter Greene. His name has been out there the last few days and while I’m still not convinced that the Reds will move him, I’m curious to what you guys think. I’m in the camp of being reluctant to part with the prospects it would take to get Tarik Skubal, who would essentially be a 2 month + postseason rental. Greene on the other hand is 27 and is signed through 2028 with an option for 2029. Would you be willing to give up the prospects for Greene? Let me know below and lets use this to discuss other potential deals that we might see over the next three days. Rec 1CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReplyRead 53 repliesYankees calling on catchersAs we noted yesterday, the New York Yankees are one of several teams looking for help behind the plate at the MLB Trade Deadline.According to longtime MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees have inquired with the Baltimore Orioles about Adley Rutschman, but from the outside looking in it would seem unlikely that Mike Elias would move the catcher within the division:However, Passan reported on his podcast earlier this week that the Orioles are at least “open” to moving players such as Rutschman. Open is one thing, but making a deal … and one to the Yankees … is another.Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is another option generating buzz, given last year’s slash line of .278/.323/.520, but the fact that he has three arbitration years coming up before he becomes a free agent in 2030 has pushed the asking price up.Could Mason Miller be moved?With the Los Angeles Dodgers running away with things in the NL West, the San Diego Padres sit in third place, 14 games back in the division.But at one game over .500, the Padres are just two games out in the NL Wild Card chase, so moving a key player ahead of hte deadline does not seem likely.Until you remember general manager A.J. Preller is involvedAfter swinging last year’s biggest move, the deal with the Athletics for closer Mason Miller, could Preller really turn around and trade him at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline? According to Passan it is at least possible, but Preller has been telling teams that no prospect can be listed as off limits in such a deal.With the New York Mets mired at the bottom of the NL standings, they are expected to move some players ahead of the deadline.One of them could be right-hander Clay Holmes.Holmes has not pitched in the majors since mid-May, when he suffered a broken right fibula, but was 4-4 in his nine starts with a 2.39 ERA and WHIP of 1.101. He pitched four scoreless innings for Low-A St. Lucia earlier this week, a game that was attended by scouts from several teams including the Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Rangers, Dodgers, according to The Athletic.He is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, but is still expected to have a “strong” market. One AL executive told FanSided that “[i]t would be a surprise if he didn’t [get traded].” #MLB #trade #deadline #Latest #rumors #Tarik #Skubal #Hunter #Greene](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/profile_images/7002597/Braveshat..jpg?ssl=1 "MLB trade deadline: Latest rumors on Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene, and more If you believe Jeff Passan, today is the day we will start seeing trades ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, which arrives Monday.So let’s spin around the rumors again.The latest on Tarik SkubalWednesday afternoon, Tarik Skubal exited the Detroit Tigers’ game against the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the seventh, having given up a two-run single. He left to a standing ovation from the Detroit faithful, who were wondering like the rest of us whether it was his last outing for the Tigers. He exited having handed the Detroit bullpen a 7-1 lead with two outs and a pair of runners aboard.What happened after that is, according to one MLB executive, the final “sign” that the Tigers need to move their ace at the deadline.Baltimore scored four more runs in the inning, and went on to win 10-9 in extras. Despite recording his 1,000th strikeout in the performance, Skubal received a no-decision for his efforts.“If there was ever a sign that the Tigers should trade Skubal, that was it. The offers should start flowing in any minute,” said one NL executive to MLB insider Mark Feinsand.Feinsand was not the only one reporting that a deal would be happening. ESPN’s Jeff Passan declared Skubal “will be traded” in his MLB Trade Deadline preview as well.So what teams could be making a move for the ace? As we outlined yesterday the Milwaukee Brewers are among the suitors, and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported that the Chicago Cubs are expected to make a run at the left-hander. But according to Passan, when it comes to potential suitors they are “all almost resigned to the idea that the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to get Tarik Skubal.”A potential reason for that? The lingering health issues for Shohei Ohtani. With the superstar dealing with left knee and right bicep issues, it has put his time on the bump on hold. His last start came on July 3, and manager Dave Roberts indicated earlier this week that his throwing program is on hold. “Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%,” Roberts said.With Ohtani on the shelf — as a pitcher — that could mean a big push for Skubal from the Dodgers.If you’re looking for a sleeper team in the Skubal sweepstakes, keep an eye on Tampa Bay. The Rays saw left-hander Shane McClanahan leave his start on Thursday with “back tightness,” and while it is not considered a “long-term” issue, there is an opening for Tampa Bay. As one MLB source told MLB.com, “[t]he Brewers, Rays and Dodgers have the most high-end prospects to move. It would be somewhat surprising if he didn’t wind up with one of those three teams.”Hunter Greene on the marketWhile Skubal will command the headlines, another top arm could be on the move.According to MLB.com, there is a “50-50” chance that the Cincinnati Reds move flame-thrower Hunter Greene ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Greene missed the first half of the season following surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow, as he put off the surgery last season and threw through the discomfort, option for an injection rather than surgery.He ultimately went under the knife in the spring, costing him the start to 2026. Since returning he has gone 2-2 with a 7.06 ERA in four starts this season.But this is a former All-Star, who is under club control for the next few seasons. He signed a six-year extension with Cincinnati in 2023, and is controlled through 2028. Greene is owed $15 million in 2027, $16 million in 2028, and has a $21 million club option for 2029, and his contract comes with a $2 million buyout.His health is probably the biggest concern, as he has missed time beyond the recent surgery. Tommy John surgery in 2018 cost him the entire 2019 Minor League campaign, and he has lost time due to shoulder and lower-body issues.“Health,” said one MLB executive to MLB.com about the concern. “He falls into the high quality and moderate-to-low quantity category.”Still, during his 2024 All-Star campaign, he went 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA, earning Cy Young votes. Teams that miss on Skubal could be enticed to bet on that talent — at that low cost — for the next few years.Our friends at Battery Power are taking about Greene as well:Trade Deadline Discussion ThreadWe had a lot of good conversation yesterday. Perhaps we put all of our trade deadline chatter and thoughts here and get this post pinned through the deadline Monday. Today I want to talk about someone that I don’t think we have discussed which is Hunter Greene. His name has been out there the last few days and while I’m still not convinced that the Reds will move him, I’m curious to what you guys think. I’m in the camp of being reluctant to part with the prospects it would take to get Tarik Skubal, who would essentially be a 2 month + postseason rental. Greene on the other hand is 27 and is signed through 2028 with an option for 2029. Would you be willing to give up the prospects for Greene? Let me know below and lets use this to discuss other potential deals that we might see over the next three days. Rec 1CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReplyRead 53 repliesYankees calling on catchersAs we noted yesterday, the New York Yankees are one of several teams looking for help behind the plate at the MLB Trade Deadline.According to longtime MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees have inquired with the Baltimore Orioles about Adley Rutschman, but from the outside looking in it would seem unlikely that Mike Elias would move the catcher within the division:However, Passan reported on his podcast earlier this week that the Orioles are at least “open” to moving players such as Rutschman. Open is one thing, but making a deal … and one to the Yankees … is another.Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is another option generating buzz, given last year’s slash line of .278/.323/.520, but the fact that he has three arbitration years coming up before he becomes a free agent in 2030 has pushed the asking price up.Could Mason Miller be moved?With the Los Angeles Dodgers running away with things in the NL West, the San Diego Padres sit in third place, 14 games back in the division.But at one game over .500, the Padres are just two games out in the NL Wild Card chase, so moving a key player ahead of hte deadline does not seem likely.Until you remember general manager A.J. Preller is involvedAfter swinging last year’s biggest move, the deal with the Athletics for closer Mason Miller, could Preller really turn around and trade him at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline? According to Passan it is at least possible, but Preller has been telling teams that no prospect can be listed as off limits in such a deal.With the New York Mets mired at the bottom of the NL standings, they are expected to move some players ahead of the deadline.One of them could be right-hander Clay Holmes.Holmes has not pitched in the majors since mid-May, when he suffered a broken right fibula, but was 4-4 in his nine starts with a 2.39 ERA and WHIP of 1.101. He pitched four scoreless innings for Low-A St. Lucia earlier this week, a game that was attended by scouts from several teams including the Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Rangers, Dodgers, according to The Athletic.He is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, but is still expected to have a “strong” market. One AL executive told FanSided that “[i]t would be a surprise if he didn’t [get traded].” #MLB #trade #deadline #Latest #rumors #Tarik #Skubal #Hunter #Greene")
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